Private equity firms have produced big profits for CalPERS, not to mention a pay-to-play scandal, while keeping a big share for themselves as an incentive — traditionally 20 percent of profits plus annual management fees of up to 2 percent.

The fire tax does not protect us from fire. I cannot support the appointment to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection if they support an illegal fire tax that takes away resources from hardworking families who want to protect their homes and properties.

In last week's Supreme Court decision affirming the right of citizens' commissions to draw political districts, many California Democrats saw a lost opportunity to expand their ranks among the state's elected officials.

Sacramento -- The California State Senate held the first hearing in the Special Session on Transportation this morning. The newly-created Transportation Committee will be chaired by Senator Jim Beall (